Understanding What It Means to Be Transgender

Human Rights Campaign estimates that there are two million transgender people in the U.S.

Transgender people are as diverse a group as the rest of the population, coming from all walks of life, spanning racial and ethnic groups, and ranging in age from small children to senior citizens. Here’s a very general overview of what it means to be trans.

What does transgender mean?

The word transgender is an overarching term for those whose gender identity is different from that which they were assigned at birth. Some trans people take hormones and/or have surgery to transition, but not everyone chooses the same path. It is important to know that being transgender does not always involve medical procedures. Some people choose to change their outward appearance and pronouns. It is of the utmost importance to always use the name and pronouns chosen by the person and never to use the term transgender as a noun – don’t say, “Kevin is a transgender.” Say, “Kevin is a transgender man.”

While some trans people identify within the gender binary of man or woman, people who feel their gender identity doesn’t reside neatly in that binary space may identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, agender or other identities that best reflect their own personal experience. Trans people can be non-binary but not all non-binary people identify as transgender. The language may be ever evolving but the choice to respect someone’s wishes when it comes to how they identify will always be cool. Don’t know someone’s pronouns? Just ask! Offering yours is a great icebreaker.

Being transgender also does not imply a specific sexual orientation and transgender people may identify on any part of the sexual identity spectrum.

Why should you become a transgender ally?

The need for allyship within the LGBTQIA+ community is always there but is of particular importance for the transgender community. Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, face shockingly high rates of murder, homelessness and incarceration, and most states and countries offer no legal protections in housing, employment, health care and other areas where individuals experience discrimination based on their gender identity or expression.

Even though the term transgender was only coined in the 20th century, trans people have always existed in every culture throughout history. An estimated 3 in 10 Americans personally know someone who is trans.

How can you become an ally to your transgender friends?

Increasing understanding and awareness is a way to remove the confusion and stigma that surrounds the subject of being transgender. And treating transgender people as you would any other person, including addressing them by their chosen name and pronouns is the best way to make trans people feel seen, heard, valued and respected.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

The Thyroid: Small Gland with a Big Job

Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland that is part of the endocrine system and releases certain hormones that help regulate systems throughout the body. These hormones affect metabolism, help regulate breathing and menstrual cycles, regulate how blood pumps, control body temperature and heart rate and can even affect your mood. The thyroid also contributes to the physical development that occurs in childhood including growing taller and gaining muscle.

The hormones are distributed via the bloodstream. If these hormones get out of whack, it can throw off the rest of the body. There are several common conditions that can be caused by a malfunctioning thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the hormones distributed by the thyroid are too high. This can lead to an increase in heart rate and metabolism. In addition to possible unintentional weight loss, hyperthyroidism can also cause rapid heartbeat, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, bulging eyes, thin skin, and an unusual sensitivity to heat and high temperature causing excessive sweating. Hyperthyroidism occurs in 1-3% of the U.S. population.

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and afflicts 1 in 200 people. This autoimmune disorder is caused when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing it to make too much of the hormone that regulates metabolism. It is a hereditary condition but is most common in women between 20 and 30. Treatment can include beta-blockers which can regulate heart rate and anxiety, antithyroid medicines which control the amount of hormones the thyroid produces, and surgery to remove the thyroid if those methods fail.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the hormones regulated by the thyroid are too low. This causes heart rate and metabolism to decrease. In addition to slow heart rate, weight gain and fatigue, people with underactive thyroid can also find it difficult to focus and retain information, have dry skin and hair, suffer from diarrhea and/or constipation, have heavy menstrual periods and joint or muscle pain.

The autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s Disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and affects about 5 in 100 Americans, with it being most often diagnosed in middle-aged women. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland and with it, its ability to produce those important system-regulating hormones our bodies rely on. There is no cure for Hashimoto’s Disease, but hormone replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland and is caused by iodine deficiency. Goiters can happen to anyone at any age and occur most where access to iodine rich foods is scarce. If a goiter grows large enough it can cause swelling in the neck which can make it difficult to breathe or swallow. Surgery is the most common treatment.

Thyroid Cancer

In the United States, about 12,000 men and 33,000 women get thyroid cancer each year, and about 950 men and 1,100 women die from the disease. Thyroid cancer mostly occurs in those aged 20-55 and is often diagnosed after pregnancy or menopause. There is no direct known cause for thyroid cancer but exposure to radiation near the gland and certain hereditary genetic conditions can increase risk.

If you notice a lump or swelling on the side of the neck, have trouble breathing or swallowing or become hoarse for seemingly no reason, contact your healthcare provider to schedule a thyroid test. There are also a variety of at-home thyroid tests available by mail.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/graves-disease/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/graves-disease

https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-thyroiditis-hashimotos-disease

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536/

 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease

 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Grants+-+Cancer+Type+-+Exact&utm_term=causes%20of%20thyroid%20cancer&utm_id=go_cmp-10033843576_adg-97799932301_ad-434766943130_kwd-988977220_dev-c_ext-_prd-_mca-_sig-CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnD5raapGzbGtWMn44RTwC0XSe97-_o7_CQKvNDMjzQZ7KM4RO65rORoCu70QAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnD5raapGzbGtWMn44RTwC0XSe97-_o7_CQKvNDMjzQZ7KM4RO65rORoCu70QAvD_BwE&nclid=tVwV1FUyj0-zRTuHMNDYAjEmu31aNWggeLs7_gZc-uLCIf2BOKZF6ik2Xtpk3mbc

https://thancguide.org/2020/04/the-journey/8-facts-about-the-thyroid/?gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnII6-U01oEe97c8addiiM_YW1IqAeHK1hpTtm67eLOF4pncBm8ZMFBoCkpQQAvD_BwE

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/thyroid/index.htm#:~:text=When%20cancer%20starts%20in%20the,women%20die%20from%20the%20disease.

Six Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Although it’s inevitable that we’ll catch a bug sooner or later, we don’t have to necessarily catch them all. Here are a few tried and true ways to help bolster your ability to fight off the contagious things this world throws at you.

Turns out healthy living is the best foundation to the ability to fend off and fight off viral infections.

1.     Eat as healthily as possible. Eating a variety of mineral and antioxidant heavy foods can promote good health. Here are a few key ones that can impact immune function.

·      B vitamins are found in dairy, grains, meats, eggs and beans.

·      The antioxidant selenium comes from nuts, grains and meats.

·      Zinc is in foods like oysters, beef, lentils and cheese.

·      Vitamin C is found in lots of fruits and veggies, especially citrus. Although supplements abound, most people tend to get enough from their diet.

2.     Exercise and try to maintain your healthy weight. Studies have shown that physical activity reduces your risk for inflammation and compromised immune function. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week and at least two strength training sessions.

3.     Don’t smoke or quit if you do. This one is kind of a no-brainer and one we can’t encourage enough.

4.     Get enough sleep. Another one we can’t stop talking about. Being sleep deprived can reduce immune function leaving you open to a host of communicable diseases.

5.     Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day. You don’t even want to know how dirty most surfaces we come into contact with actually are. Washing your hands after you use the restroom, after you blow your nose and as soon as you get home for at least 20 seconds can help remove any bugs you could have picked up. It can also help stop you from spreading bacteria to other people.

6.     Keep current with your vaccines. Getting the flu vaccine every year can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60%. The virus changes every year so it’s important to get yours at the onset of flu season to ensure you’re protected from the latest strain.

While it’s impossible to fight off every bug that you come into contact with, it is possible to avoid many of them when you’re starting off as the healthiest you that you can be. And for those times you do inevitably catch that latest bug that’s going around the office, we’re here for you.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-021-02825-4?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&utm_campaign=CONR_PF018_ECOM_GL_PHSS_ALWYS_DEEPLINK&utm_content=textlink&utm_term=PID100090071&CJEVENT=684da59b1e6b11ed816200d50a82b836

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

Fiber 101

High fiber diets are linked to improved overall health but especially heart health and is an important part of healthy digestion. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men consume 38 grams. However, only 5% of the population meet those numbers.

Types of Fiber

There are two distinct types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber slows digestion by creating a gel-like substance that absorbs the water in food. This type of fiber can lead to lower cholesterol and lessen your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Soluble fiber is found in foods like oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas and some fruits like apples, oranges, blackberries and raspberries, and vegetables. It is also found in psyllium, an ingredient common in fiber supplements.

Insoluble fiber doesn’t absorb water from food but instead helps move food through the digestive tract. It can help relieve constipation and lower risk of diverticulitis. Foods high in insoluble fiber are seeds, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, brown rice and bulgur.

Fiber Supplements

Some people find it difficult to get enough fiber in their diets through food alone and fiber supplements can be a great way to add healthy fiber to your life. Just make sure to speak with your pharmacist and/or healthcare provider before starting a supplement in case it contraindicates with any other medications you may be currently taking.

Getting the right amount of fiber can be difficult but the health benefits are well worth it. Whether it’s reducing your LDL cholesterol, working to prevent type to diabetes by helping lower blood sugar or supporting overall heart health, getting the recommended amount is a great idea, whether from food, supplements or a combination of both.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566984/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124841/

How to get a better night’s rest

We’ve all been there. Staring at the clock in the middle of the night wondering if we’re ever going to get back to sleep or if we should just go ahead and get out of bed and try to be productive. Good sleep is sometimes hard to come by but it’s oh so important for your health and well-being. Following are our tips on setting yourself up for a great night’s sleep, which helps with having a great day.

Be consistent

Trying to go to bed around the same time every night is key to helping your body’s internal clock regulate itself. You want to aim for a time that gives you around seven or eight hours of sleep. Research has shown that sticking to a consistent bedtime could also help prevent daytime sleepiness.

Set the mood

Your sleep environment is almost as important as your bedtime. Setting your bedroom temperature between 60°F and 67°F works best for most people. It’s also a good idea to invest in room darkening curtains if your bedroom has a lot of windows. A good mattress and comfortable bed linens and pillows, whatever works for you, are also part of creating your best sleep environment.

 Exercise

Getting your workouts in on the reg can really make a difference in sleep quality. Don’t exercise too close to bedtime but do aim to get at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. Even a short walk can make all the difference.

Caffeine cutoff

For most people, it’s important to cut out caffeine at least 3-7 hours before bedtime. Everyone’s tolerance is different but it’s usually a good idea not to consume caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.

Make your bed a sleep and sex only zone

This tip can help your brain create the association that these are the only two things the bed is for. Try to limit TV watching or perusing your Facebook feed on your phone or tablet to other rooms in the house.

Different things will work for different people but these tips make for a great foundation to getting a good night’s sleep so you can get out there and make the world a better place during the day.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

https://www.healthline.com/health/daytime-sleepiness/signs-to-see-a-dr

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385214/

https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/best-temperature-to-sleep

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25596964/

Do you know you need cholesterol? How to reduce the bad, increase the good kind of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that is made by your body and absorbed from some of the foods you consume. Cholesterol gets a bad rap, but you do need it to make hormones and healthy cells. However, having too much of the bad kind of cholesterol can cause trouble.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the unhealthy cholesterol that clogs arteries. Levels should be below 100 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the healthy kind that helps move LDL cholesterol out of your arteries. A level of 60 mg/dL or higher is optimal. 

When you have too much bad cholesterol in your blood, it begins to build up inside your blood vessels, causing plaque deposits, which harden and constrict your arteries. This restricts blood flow. When a plaque deposit breaks, it can cause the formation of blood clots. If a clot gets stuck in a coronary artery, it can block blood flow altogether and cause a heart attack. A clot can also migrate to a blood vessel that connects to your brain. If blood flow to your brain is disrupted that can cause a stroke. High cholesterol levels are also a major risk factor for heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Reduce bad cholesterol. Increase good cholesterol.

A diet high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats may help reduce inflammation, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and increase HDL (good cholesterol). Other lifestyle adjustments, even slight ones help to reduce risk factors associated with bad cholesterol like heart attack and stroke.  

Eat fiber

Adequate fiber intake may reduce your cholesterol levels by up to 10%. The American Heart Association recommends 25-30 grams per day from food (as opposed to supplements). Here’s a useful chart from the Mayo Clinic to better understand specific sources of fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Check meat and dairy intake

If you have high cholesterol, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 5–6% of your daily calories come from saturated fats from foods like meat and dairy.

Add cholesterol fighting foods to your diet

The high levels of unsaturated fat in avocado has shown to help lower LDL levels. Tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which also help with cholesterol reduction.

Lose weight

Even losing as little as 5-10 pounds could be enough to improve your cholesterol levels. Find our tips on maintaining a healthy weight here.  

Quit smoking

Here’s yet one more reason to quit: the chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your blood vessels and speed the buildup of plaques inside your arteries. If you already have high cholesterol, smoking is only making the chance of having a stroke or heart

attack more likely. It’s hard to kick the habit but you can read our tips here.  

Exercise

Fitting in 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days is ideal for lowering and regulating cholesterol levels. You can even break it into a few 10- or 15-minute sessions throughout the course of the day. Hitting your target heart rate is helpful as well. Here’s some useful information from the American Heart Association about your healthy resting heart rate, target heart rate for your age and how to take your pulse if you don’t use an activity tracker. Adding some strength training a couple of days is an even better boost.

If these lifestyle changes don’t help lower your bad cholesterol, then it may be time to ask your pharmacist and health care provider about cholesterol lowering drugs. There are several different medications that work to lower LDL, raise HDL or both. Your provider will know which is best for you.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29259181/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25567051/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-cholesterol-snacks#packaged

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30202317/

Teen pregnancy and prevention

Teen pregnancy rates have steadily declined in the last few decades, but the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the developed world. Having a child is a life-changing event, maybe even more so for teens. Infants born to teens have higher mortality rates and depending on where they’re located, it can be incredibly difficult to get the parenting support and education that’s needed to take care of a baby.

 Many factors contribute to teen pregnancy:

·      Inadequate sexual education/information

·      Lack of available contraception or inability to afford contraception

·      Embarrassment at seeking or asking for contraception

As they develop, adolescents and young adults need access to evidence-based, unbiased and

non-stigmatizing information, education and services that will support lifelong sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

According to Aletha Y. Akers of the Guttmacher institute “It is our inability to reconcile the unrealistic expectation in the U.S. that teens not have sex or get pregnant” and society has a duty to “Support all teens, including those who are sexually active, pregnant or parenting.”

To help teen pregnancy rates decline it is imperative that we invest in age appropriate comprehensive sex education that provides medically accurate, complete, inclusive information and services. At Revan Rx and Revan Health we’re also working to break those barriers to care so more teens can take charge of their sexual and reproductive health. We strive to be a safe haven for our patients and to treat them with dignity and respect no matter their age or situation.

Our partner Revan Health works closely with Take Control Initiative to get free condoms to those who need them. Tulsa residents, including teens, can get free condoms by stopping in or via mail. Take Control Initiative also offers numerous methods of birth control through various clinics throughout the Tulsa area and will even provide Lyft rides to those who need them. Take Control Initiative’s mission is “to ensure individuals have the resources and information to decide if and when they want to become pregnant in an effort to honor and support their autonomy and safety.” TCI also works to remove the systemic barriers, whether financial, transportation, language or any other logistical barriers to fulfill their mission.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

IBS Signs and Symptoms

April is IBS Awareness Month and while it’s not always an easy subject to discuss, IBS affects 25-45 million Americans, many of whom don’t even realize they have it. Following is a look at the signs and symptoms and what you can do if you’re one of the many who suffer.

What is IBS?

IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine. It is more prevalent in those under 45 and more women experience IBS than men. It is currently the most commonly diagnosed condition by gastroenterologists and primary health care providers.

 Symptoms can include:

 ·      Abdominal pain

·      Bloating

·      Gas

·      Diarrhea

·      Cramping

·      Constipation

Treatment

Since IBS is long term, treatment usually involves a certain degree of lifestyle change for most patients. Things like learning if there are particular foods that trigger symptoms and making the required diet changes, learning how to manage stress, seeing a counselor and/or a dietician, and prescription medications can all help. You and your health care provider can work out which treatments or combinations of treatments will work best for you and your lifestyle.

While the causes of IBS are still unclear, IBS is a manageable condition. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or any other abdominal issues or changes in bowel habits, consult your doctor to rule out anything more serious and to get started on your road to feeling better.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.